Monday, April 12, 2010

Called To Focus

Psalm 37Image by pittigliani2005 via Flickr

Psalm 4:6-8
There are many who say, "O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!

You have put gladness in my heart
more than when their wine and grain abound.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
 (The New Oxford Annotated Bible)

I say as many do - alas, would that 
I see more good in this world....
Would that I see or would that I focus?

In my waking, working, wandering hours today
would that I focus on the brightness of your creation.

In sharp contrast, my blurry vision in remission;
Only the good drawn to with my mind 
is present.

From dawn 'til dusk my soul has rejoiced
At darkness, I tumble into bed and peaceful rest
Grateful for your call to focus.
(Sunrise Sister) 

Psalm 4:6-8
Why is everyone hungry for more? 
"More, more," they say. "More, more."

I have God's more-than-enough,
More joy in one ordinary day

Than they got in all their shopping sprees.  
At day's end, I'm ready for sound sleep,
For you, God, have put my life back together.
(The Message - Eugene Peterson)

Photo Credit Wikipedia - labeled Psalm 37 - not a reflection of this text today but such a beautiful image, I clicked it:)  As I checked the words of P37, my eyes landed on appropriate words for today's portion of Psalms I selected - "Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath. Do not fret - it leads only to evil."
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6 comments:

  1. Kayce aka lucy2:41 PM

    oh i'd love to be a little fly upon the walls of your mind :-) i love how you've made a sandwich out of the psalm translations with your own words at the tasty center! xoxo

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  2. Susan Carpenter Sims2:52 PM

    I too love your psalm sandwich!

    I was talking with my students today about being "open-eyed," about how hard it is to truly see things we're used to seeing, things we've covered over with our stories about them. How could we not see more good in the world if we surrendered our stories about what we see?

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  3. Dianna Woolley3:40 PM

    Dear Lucy and Polli -

    By golly, I think you two have given me the title for a few posts coming up - Psalm Sandwich - seems yummy:)

    BTW - I received a definite must do/go ahead during my prayer time this a.m. so, of course, I've signed up for Abbey of the Arts Easter Online Course. I'm already reading the book and loving it, so once more, I've said I wasn't going to and have been convinced by my ????? by what?????? by, I'll be there!

    xoxoxo

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  4. Kayce aka lucy4:14 PM

    heeehehhehhahahhahhehehheee xooxox

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  5. Country Parson7:29 PM

    Me too. I like your sandwich.

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  6. claire bangasser1:52 PM

    Yes to your Psalm Sandwich as well as the bit from Ps 37 on 'Refrain from anger...'

    Good luck on your focusing :-)

    I have also signed up for the Easter course. We are all going to be one with the Wind, Water, Earth & Fire...

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